As warmer weather arrives, bringing an increase in small creatures to our gardens, many of us are eager to spend more time outdoors enjoying the sunshine. Barbecues and picnics provide excellent excuses for alfresco dining and entertainment. However, gardens often become home to ants, bees, and wasps, which can become a nuisance when you want to relax or even venture indoors through open doors and windows.
Natural Solution with Ground Cinnamon
Fortunately, there is a simple and natural hack to keep ants and bees away from your outdoor spaces. Social media home hack expert Molly Miller recommends sprinkling ground cinnamon around your patio and decking areas. She explains, "Sprinkle a little ground cinnamon around your decking and patios to deter ants and bees. I even like to mix it with some water and spray down the areas where we spend the most time."
How to Apply Cinnamon
Molly uses a simple spray bottle to create her mixture, applying it to outdoor chairs and cushions. Keeping cinnamon sprinkled by your doors and windows will also help prevent ants and bees from entering your home. Ground cinnamon is an inexpensive spice, widely available at supermarkets. For instance, Sainsbury's sells its own branded jar for just 85p.
Why Cinnamon Works
Bees dislike the smell of cinnamon, making it an effective natural repellent. Meanwhile, cinnamon disrupts ant scent trails, deterring them from certain areas. For best results, sprinkle cinnamon directly on ant trails or where ants are congregating.
Additional Tip for Wasps
If wasps are also a problem in your garden, a plastic bag and some string can help. Social media garden expert @gardening.with.ish suggests creating a fake wasp nest. He explains, "What we do is we take the plastic bag we fold it amongst itself in one corner and we get a nice point." By folding the bag into itself, air gets trapped inside, creating a cone-like shape. Then, tie the bag shut with string.
Ish says, "What you are doing is creating a fake wasp nest because wasps are incredibly territorial. They will think there is another wasp nest nearby and move to a different place." He adds that spring is an ideal time to do this, as large wasps are seeking new places to settle. Place your fake wasp nest near sheds or trees to deter wasps from settling in your garden.
